CVPA faculty

  • Justin J. Holden, Founder and Principal Consultant of Holden Curated Content Advising (Holden
    CCA) specializes in creating strategic, integrated communications and content campaigns tailored to
    your specific needs. His approach and style is intentional, empathetic, and holistic, providing a deep
    understanding of nonprofits, the arts, corporate, and government sectors.

  • C. Lorenzo Evans III, MBA, is a visionary finance executive and lecturer with over 15 years of
    experience in accounting and financial management. With a deep commitment to the
    intersection of financial management and education, Evans’ work leverages his expertise to
    increase financial literacy and financial management competencies in both business and
    academic sectors.

  • Caroline MacDonald is the Costume Supervisor for the George Mason School of Dance.

  • Seth Novick is a seasoned career development professional with over two decades of experience in creative talent recruitment and higher education. He currently serves as Career Development and Alumni Engagement Coordinator at CVPA.

  • Michael Jackson Jr. is a multidisciplinary artist, teacher, and photographer known for his soulful presence and transformative storytelling through movement and imagery.

  • Professor Thomas E. Tyra holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Technology and an Engineering emphasis with a minor in Audio Production from George Mason University. He also holds a Master of Arts in Audio Sciences with a concentration in Recording and Production from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.

  • Alicia Kirksey is the Executive Assistant to the Dean in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. She brings over 15 years of experience supporting executives, coordinating projects, and streamlining operations.

  • Ariel serves as the Assistant Coordinator of Programs and Operations at Mason Community Arts Academy. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Music Education from George Mason University and a Master’s of Music Performance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

  • Stephen Snyder is the Technical and Rigging Supervisor for the CVPA at George Mason University.

  • Matthew McLaughlin was born in Montgomery, Alabama and began dancing Hula at the age of one, in Hawaii. Both parents met in the military, creating a childhood immersed in travel, connection and art.